One Hundred Unorthodox Strategies: Battle and Tactics of Chinese Warfare

ISBN-13: 9780367096038 / Angielski / Twarda / 2019 / 315 str.

Ralph D. Sawyer

Opis

One Hundred Unorthodox Strategies was compiled in the fifteenth century, during the Ming Dynasty, as a handbook of tactics based on Chinese military classics. Translated into English for the first time, this unique work draws on over two thousand years of experience in warfare to present a distillation of one hundred key strategic principles. Originally prepared as a text for students aspiring to high political positions in Confucian China, One Hundred Unorthodox Strategies is a compendium of Oriental strategies concisely stated and each individually illustrated with a description of battle from Chinese history. These historical examples shed new light on the often enigmatic formulations of the ancient strategists on subjects such as Strategic Power, Defense, Vacuity, Spirit, and Victory. Acclaimed translator and Chinese military specialist Ralph Sawyer adds his own thoughtful commentary, deepening the reader's understanding of the intricacies of Chinese strategic thought.

Spis treści

* Introduction * Estimates * Plans * Spies * Elite Forces * The Infantry * The Cavalry * Amphibious Strategies * Chariots * Trust * Instructions * Large Numbers * Small Numbers * Love * Awesomeness * Rewards * Punishment * The Host * The Guest * The Strong * The Weak * Arrogance * Alliances * Disposition * Strategic Power * Daylight * Night * Preparation * Provisions * Local Guides * Knowledge * Observers * Marshes * Contentious Terrain * Advantageous Terrain * Mountains * Valleys * Offense * Defense * Initiative * Response * The Unorthodox * The Orthodox * The Vacuous * The Substantial * Recklessness * Weightiness * Profit * Harm * Security * Danger * Fighting to the Death * Seeking Life * The Hungry * The Sated * Fatigue * Ease * Victory * Defeat * Advancing * Retreating * Provocation * Compulsion * The Distant * The Nearby * Rivers * Incendiary Strategies * Slowness * Quickness * Order * Disorder * Segmenting * Uniting * Anger * Spirit * Retreats * Pursuits * Refusing Battle * Inevitable Combat * Avoidance * Sieges * Utterances * Peace Negotiations * Enduring Attacks * Surrenders * The Heavens * The Human * The Difficult * The Easy * Bait * Estrangement * Doubt * The Impoverished * Wind * Snow * Nurturing Spirit * Fear * Letters * Change * Enthralled with Warfare * Forgetting Warfare

O autorze

Ralph D Sawyer